With the new year in full swing, many of us are looking for ways to become healthier and happier in 2014. I personally love new year’s resolutions, but find that sometimes we set goals for ourselves that are unattainable or too big to realistically fit into our already busy lives. Our resolutions tend to fall by the wayside and we end up pushing those goals into the void that is “next year.”
This year, I have decided to run my first marathon, a goal which I consider to be big, but also do-able; and I’m not waiting for the weather to warm up to get a jump on my resolution. I will be training for a marathon in 16 weeks, with my intended marathon being at the end of April and I invite you to join me! Over the next 4 months, I will be sharing training tips, weekly run plans, the ups and downs in motivation and I can only imagine a lot of blister remedies as well.
Before setting your own marathon goal, do a little self examination to see if running a marathon is right for you. If running seems like a chore to you right now, it will most likely not become a blast when you have to start waking up early in the morning to go for a run. If you like to run but don’t have a lot of experience with long distance races, consider training for a half marathon instead and cut the weekly recommended mileage in half. Could you run 5 miles today? If not, perhaps a half marathon would be the best training option.
This week, focus on setting an attainable goal for yourself. Set a goal time for you race, or decide that your time does not matter. Consider finding a buddy to join you (four-legged or two!) Having a friend by your side can help to motivate you and allows you to hold each other accountable. It will also make those long runs more fun! Think about what you will need for the race, which is basically just a good pair of running shoes, and make a playlist for your runs that will energize and motivate.
Get out there this week and go for a few short runs or even register for a 5k to help you get in the running groove. Spend some time thinking about your new goal and what it will mean to you once you accomplish it (which you will!) Until next week, rest up, start stretching and get ready to hit the pavement!
Next: Week 1
Also by Claire: Get Lucky in 2014 with this Black Eyed Peas Recipe
More in Fitness: 5 Cold Weather Running Tips
It’s Marathon Season! 5 Long Distance Training Tips
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Photo: Claire-Marie Harris
